The exhibition includes work from some of the biggest names in the photography and writing world.

The exhibitions regional tour will be launching at Paintworks Event Space on Saturday 24 March following a hugely successful run atthe Saatchi Gallery in London, which has attracted 200,000 visitors and was extended twice due to popular demand.

The exhibition, which following Bristol will go to Cube, Manchester on Wednesday 11 April and Waterhall, Birmingham on Tuesday 22 May, will showcase images from some of the worlds finest photographers who have worked for the Magazine over the years. Photographers featured include Don McCullin, David Bailey, Eve Arnold, Snowdon, Richard Avedon, Eugene Richards, Sam Taylor-Wood, Terry O'Neill, Chris Floyd and Stuart Franklin.

The exhibition will also highlight the contribution made to the Magazine by renowned writers such as Ian Fleming, Martin Amis, Bruce Chatwin, Jilly Cooper, Zoe Heller, James Fox and Nicholas Tomalin.

In February 1962, The Sunday Times launched the Magazine  the UKs first colour newspaper supplement. My God, this is going to be a disaster, groaned Roy Thomson, the then owner of The Sunday Times. Newspapers in those days were dull dogs and the idea of putting a colourful magazine with a paper was seen as barmy.

Mark Boxer, the first editor of the Magazine, later recalled, A curious truth soon emerged: readers liked it  so much so that about a quarter of a million new readers were attracted to the newspaper. It was not only part of Swinging London, it helped to create the 1960s spirit. It was also great fun.